Health Update and Aspirations

So here is an update for all of my health related issues. I had my second foot surgery done just about a week ago. There was a pretty bad allergic reaction on my right foot which eventually went away. I found out at my doctor's visit that my mole was not cancerous, which was a relief. Just today I noticed blistering on my left foot and got it checked out. Apparently I had an even worse allergic reaction to the bandages on my left foot. It was all rather gross and gory looking. Anyway, a girl who had surgery at the same location came in yesterday with the same symptoms. There's going to be some investigation about the equipment being used, and there's the thought of suing the company for my surgery complications. Suddenly my life got a lot more interesting!

I am getting closer and closer to going back to school. I will be living in Soho, which will be such an exciting experience. I've already been looking up great places to shop and dine around the area. I've even decided to put off buying new clothes until I am in the city. Where I live there isn't many options beside the generic shopping mall. I'm also excited for the ten or so days that I'll be in the city before I start classes. One of my goals is to have more of a social life. I want to explore the famous museum mile as well as spend some quality time in central park. I have such a big list of things to do in the city before I finish college. I think that might be a good idea for a post later on!

Here's a photo of one of the shopping places I'm interested that's near my dorm.

A Writing Sample

For those interested in swimming safety, here's a sample of what one of my typical articles looks like for my freelance job:

With record high temperatures throughout the nation, many are flocking to local beaches and lakes to cool off. While most people's primary concern is not getting burnt by the sun, there is another danger lurking in the water. Whether you are swimming in the ocean, a lake or your own swimming pool, high bacteria levels can be a hazard to you and your family. Here is some helpful information about preventing illness due to bacteria filled water.

The Causes of Harmful Bacteria in Water

High levels of bacteria can occur from a variety of causes. After a storm a great deal of bacteria can build up. Bird or other animal droppings can cause bacteria as well. Dangerous bacteria can also be caused by sewage or other fecal matter. This is common in beaches where there are many children or public beaches close to sewage drains.

While harmful bacteria can result from these instances, most of the time the amount of bacteria is not high enough to harm those swimming in its water. It is when there has been extremely hot weather that the temperature of the water is warm enough to breed bacteria. It is important to be aware of the bacteria levels at your local swimming area, especially if there have been high temperatures.

The Dangers of Swimming with Bacteria

If you swim in infected waters you may experience many different side effects. Be aware that children, elderly and others who have weak immune systems are at a greater risk of getting sick. Here are some of the side effects that swimming with high levels of bacteria may cause:

• Gastrointestinal distress such as an upset stomach, stomach cramps and diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Infections of the ear, eyes, nose and throat
• Nausea
• Fever

Ways to Prevent and Protect Against Bacteria

The easiest way to prevent these illnesses is to be informed of the bacteria levels that you are going to swim in. While most public beaches and lakes post advisories when there are high levels of bacteria, the actual testing for harmful bacteria is spotty and infrequent. You can call your local beach authorities to find out the most recent water levels or look to media such as the radio or television to find out if swimming is safe.

To maintain a safe swimming environment in your home, always treat your pool with the recommended amount of chlorine. It is also recommended that each person shower before swimming to prevent bacteria from getting into your pool. 

Unnecessary Complaints

I think it's time I make this blog a bit more interesting. So I have two doctor appointments tomorrow. One to check up on my healing foot and the other to find out if the suspicious mole on my leg is cancerous. I've already had one removed a few years ago. So of course this made me do some researching online, which only made me think I had the worst possible cancerous mole. What people post on the internet about health issues only seems to cover all the things you could possibly have wrong with yourself. Same thing happened when I looked up recovery times for the surgery I had on my foot. I had it in my mind that I wasn't going to be able to walk for months. Last Tuesday I was told I could start hobbling with my bulky walking boot. So here I am limping across my home, determinedly trying to do things for myself. Only thing is even hobbling around is slower than I wish it could be. At least it's better than hopping.

I have managed to finish knitting a dish cloth, learn how to crochet, watch three movies, read over 300 pages of a book, write posts as part of my free lancing job, and paint my nails three times. You'd think that would take up all of my time, but there are many moments where I am stuck with nothing to do. I'd imagine retirement is exactly like this. A full-time job is actually looking pretty good now.

Maybe that's just me. I'm filled with a constant want to be busy. If I am not, then I feel anxious and unfulfilled. It's almost like I'm wasting my time not working, cleaning or creating something. I constantly nag at myself to be more productive. Spending hours on hours on lazy activities creates a large hole in my stomach. The only way to feel at ease is for me to work or do other chores. Perhaps this stemmed from my high school schedule that bled into my freshman year of college. In high school I'd go to school 8-2, cheer lead until 5 (but sometimes as late as 8) and finish my homework around 10:30. On the weekends cheer leading dominated as well. In college, I decided to continue cheer leading as well as find a part time job. I would go to class from 8 to 12, work until 5:30, eat  a quick dinner, cheer lead from 6:30-10, and then do my homework until around midnight. I rarely allowed myself to do anything else. Now that I have no priorities this summer, I really am lost.

For all of those curious about my knitting and crochet projects, I've attached photos of my works. The small work is my first attempt at crocheting. As for the rest of you, sorry you have to see my boring old lady habits. Trust me, I think anyone with as much free time as me would resort to handmade projects. If you don't believe me, get foot surgery and see!